What is God's Plan for Your Struggle?

It began as a simple phone call.

The moment she answered, my friend sensed something was wrong. And without asking for details about my situation, she offered to pray for me. Somehow she understood. She prayed for God to bring comfort and thanked Him for providing whatever I needed to walk through the trial. What she prayed for next, I will never forget.

“Father, thank you that when Kristine comes through this, you will allow her to encourage someone else going through the same struggle.”

What? Encourage someone else in their struggle? In the middle of my mess, the idea seemed impossible.

What does God say about struggles?

Is it God's plan for us to suffer? Am I the only one hurting like this? When we face life’s toughest battles, it’s easy to feel alone - like no one understands. That lie can keep us from experiencing the good work God has planned for us through the struggle. That’s why it is so important to not only thank Him for His goodness but also share about all He has done.

Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.” Psalm 107:2-3

When circumstances seem at their absolute worst, encouraging someone else is far from my mind. If I’m searching for strength to get through my day, how can I possibly offer help to another person?

What does God say about his plans for us?

It’s in those uncertain times that we find hope in God’s promise in Romans 8:28. He works all things together for good for those who love Him. All things, even the yucky stuff. Even in the struggle. And although I might not feel like it at that moment. There will be a day when God will open the door for me to share my victory and encourage a friend with His faithfulness.

“Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.” Psalm 107:22

I hesitated before calling my friend that day because I thought I had to face my challenge alone. Her response changed that. We praised. We thanked Him. She told me how God had provided for her, broken chains, healed sickness, and brought peace to her storms. What an encouragement!

Are you needing God’s provision today? Do you need to know there is a plan beyond the struggle? That simple phone call with my friend taught me a valuable truth.

When you find yourself asking “What is God's Plan for My Struggle?” remember not to struggle alone. Yesterday’s victory for someone else can bring hope to your struggle today. And one day, you will be able to offer the same encouragement to another.

A Psalm 107 Prayer for You

Sometimes hard circumstances take hold of our thoughts and won’t let go. Psalm 107 offers a life-giving antidote like nothing this world can offer.

Whether we are facing the wilderness, bondage, sickness, or a storm, God hears us. We only need to call on Him.

Praying Scriptures back to God will help us change our thinking, claim His promises as truth, and turn our hearts toward Him.

I’ve written this prayer based on the truths in Psalm 107. Read this prayer inspired by Psalm 107 when hard things threaten to hold your thoughts hostage.

A Psalm 107 Scripture Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Your Word says in Psalm 107:43 to “ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.” As I think about your loving deeds today, I am thankful for the wonderful things you have done for me.

I know that “in this life we will have trouble.” (John 16:33) But sometimes, it seems like one struggle after another. When difficulties consume my thoughts and I can’t see an end in sight, help me rely on your promises. Bring back to my mind the Truth of Psalm 107, so I can take those negative thoughts captive (2 Cor. 10:5) and replace them with the goodness of your Word.

When I’m faced with problems I can’t solve or tough decisions to make, I know I can call on you and you will answer. Even when I’m wandering aimlessly without any help in sight, you will “deliver me from my distress” and “lead me by a straight way.” (Ps. 107:6-7)

Because of your unfailing love, You have never given up on me. I’ve fought against you and run away from You, but you always pursue me. Again and again, you offer grace and mercy to break the chains of sin and shame in my life. Thank you Lord for bringing me “out of darkness into your wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

When I cry out to you in pain, you hear me and heal me. And even when the pain lingers, you bring peace to my situation with your glorious presence, a peace that sustains me through the hardest times. That peace also surrounds me when scary things happen and “my courage melts away.” (Ps. 107:26) Thank you for stilling the storms to a whisper and hushing the waves of the sea. (Ps. 107:29)

For all of these things I give thanks to you, Lord! I hand my struggles to you today and praise you for taking care of my needs. I walk in victory knowing your lovingkindness never fails. You are my good and merciful Father.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Blessings,

Kristine